Births, deaths and ceremonies The role of the Coroner

Introduction

A coroner is an independent judicial office holder, appointed by the local authority. Coroners are usually lawyers who work within a framework of law passed by Parliament. The Chief Coroner heads the coroner service and gives guidance on standards and practice. 

What do coroners do?

When a death is reported to the coroner preliminary enquiries will be made to decide if an investigation is required. coroners must investigate a death if there is reason to suspect either:

•    The death was violent or unnatural
•    The cause of death is unknown
•    The deceased died while in state detention

A coroner's investigation involves establishing the identity of the person who has died; where and when they died and how (not why) the death came about. 

The coroner may decide to hold an Inquest as part of the investigation and coroners may use information discovered during the investigation to assist in the prevention of other deaths.

Where a death is reported to the coroner, the coroner's officer will contact the relatives. In all cases, the coroner aims to accommodate families' funeral plans while making sure that the investigations are effective and complete.

A guide to the work of the coroner is available from the Ministry of Justice website.